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Allergic Conjunctivitis Allergic Conjunctivitis Usually Causes Mild to Moderate Symptoms, Including Redness, Which Respond to Non- Medicated Treatment

Allergic Conjunctivitis Allergic Conjunctivitis Usually Causes Mild to Moderate Symptoms, Including Redness, Which Respond to Non- Medicated Treatment

ASCIA INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS, CONSUMERS AND CARERS

Allergic usually causes mild to moderate symptoms, including redness, which respond to non- medicated treatment. However, sometimes symptoms can be extremely severe and debilitating with swelling of the , conjunctivae, and a sensation of grittiness and burning. Unlike conjunctivitis that is caused by bacterial , allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious, so it cannot be transferred from one person to another. Red is a common eye problem is one of the most common eye problems for which people visit a doctor. A description of symptoms and an eye examination by the doctor will usually suggest the cause: • containing discharge usually indicates that there is bacterial infection. • Clear discharge suggests a viral or allergic cause. • and clear discharge suggests an allergic cause, possibly allergic conjunctivitis. • Mild discomfort or burning often with excess watering may be due to dry eye. • Vision loss, discomfort in bright sunlight (), and pain suggest more serious conditions, which should be investigated by an eye specialist (ophthalmologist). • A gritty sensation is common in conjunctivitis, but the presence of a foreign body must be excluded, particularly if only one eye is affected. What is conjunctivitis? The is a layer of tissue which lines the front part of the eyeball (the white part of the eye), and the inside of the eyelids, but does not cover the (the coloured looking part of the eye). It helps to protect the eye from insults such as smoke, bacteria and in the air, as well as the damaging effects of sun and wind. The eye is also protected by the eyelids, and cornea. Conjunctivitis is an of the conjunctiva of the eye, which becomes red, swollen and produces discharge, in response to these insults. It can be caused by infection by bacteria or viruses, and physical or chemical irritation. Treatment depends on identifying the cause and severity of the condition. There are several signs of allergic conjunctivitis Typical of allergic conjunctivitis include: • Redness in both . • Itching and burning of both the eye and surrounding tissues. • Watery discharge, often accompanied by acute discomfort in bright sunlight light (photophobia). • The conjunctiva itself may become very swollen and look light purple, and this may interfere with clarity of vision. Eyelids may also be affected by an allergic reaction, causing the loose tissues of the lid to become swollen with subsequent drooping of the . In cases of severe swelling, the lids cannot open and the gap between the upper and lower lids becomes slit like. It is important to note that blurred vision or corneal haze require urgent referral to an eye specialist. Allergic conjunctivitis symptoms may be: • Perennial (all year round) due to exposure to dust mite, animal dander, indoor and outdoor mould spores, and occasionally foods or food additives.

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• Seasonal due to airborne allergens such as of grasses, trees and weeds. Pollen allergy symptoms vary from day to day, depending on the weather, improving in wet weather and worsening on hot windy days or after thunderstorms. There are also seasonal variations in some airborne mould spores, which may cause seasonal symptoms. Treatment depends on severity and cause of symptoms Identifying and removing the cause of allergic conjunctivitis, where possible, is ideal when an allergic cause has been confirmed from allergy testing. For example: • House dust mite minimisation measures in the bedroom (removing carpet, using barrier encasing of pillows and mattress, washing bedding in hot water). • Removing the cat from the house in sensitive individuals. It is also important to exclude the presence of a foreign body, such as dust, wood chip or an insect/s. Symptoms of allergic conjunctivitis are generally mild to moderate and respond to bathing eyes with cold water, ice packs and cold water compresses. Topical lubricants can also help flush allergens from the tear film. However, symptoms can sometimes be extremely severe and debilitating and require medication. Treatment options include: Topical medications (eye drops): • eye drops are effective but should not be used for longer than 6 weeks without medical advice. • Antihistamine eye drops in conjunction with a vasoconstrictor minimise itch and remove redness, but should not be used for longer than 14 days without medical advice. • Topical vasoconstrictor eye medications twice daily have minimal side effects, unlike nasal vasoconstrictor medications, but rebound encourages overuse. • stabilisers are generally well tolerated, however, as they can take three to seven days to show an effect, they should be used to prevent symptoms before they occur and can be used as long as necessary • Mast cell stabilisers/ are fast acting, effective and generally well tolerated. • Steroid eye drops - are effective quickly in relieving symptoms, but are associated with formation, and bacterial and viral of the cornea and conjunctiva. They should only be used short term, only under medical supervision and never in the presence of herpes infections. Oral antihistamines (tablets) help some people when avoidance measures are difficult. However, they may dry the eyes, nose and mouth, and may cause blurred vision. Antihistamines are usually contraindicated in glaucoma and advice should be sought from an eye specialist. immunotherapy for specific allergens may benefit people with persistent, severe allergic conjunctivitis. However, relief of eye symptoms takes longer than nasal symptoms. Inflammation of the cornea can also be associated with allergy The cornea has very few blood vessels (that is why it is clear), and is seldom involved in an allergic reaction. However, there are a number of causes of small pinpoint defects in the cornea, a condition called epithelial , which is usually due to drug and chemical exposure, for example: • Drug toxicity and . • Vernal (allergic) conjunctivitis. • Contact sensitivity to topical eye medications such as neomycin, idoxuridine, atropine and derivatives, thiomersal and some topical anaesthetics. Specific conditions involving the cornea, which are associated with allergy are listed below.

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Atopic • A combined inflammation of the conjunctiva and cornea, most often associated with (eczema). • Usually results in red, scaly and weeping skin of the eyelids. • Secondary infection with is common and may cause infection of the follicles. • The conjunctiva may be swollen, red and with a tenacious clear or pus containing discharge. • The condition can persist for many years and causes severe photophobia, weeping and itching. • If the photophobia is severe, it can be difficult for people to open their eyes in direct sunlight. • Conjunctival scarring may occur if the persistent condition is not treated properly. • An inherited cone shaped thinning of the cornea frequently associated with atopic dermatitis. • Vision is distorted due to the varying thickness of the cornea. • Contact lenses may be necessary, but they have particular problems in this condition. • Rigid lenses are necessary for good vision, but they may irritate the inflamed conjunctiva. • It is important to consult an eye specialist should this condition be suspected. Atopic • May be associated with the severe form of atopic dermatitis in about 8-10% of sufferers.

• Occurs in children and young adults, even in the absence of steroid therapy. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis Usually affects both eyes and is severe, occurring seasonally and mainly in children. • Results in nipple shaped protrusions on the inner aspect of the upper eyelid, often described as cobblestones and a stringy, tenacious mucus discharge. • Frequently associated with allergic , atopic dermatitis or . • It may be associated with a single allergen but more usually with multiple sensitivities. • Usually starts in late childhood and is more common in boys than girls. However, the prevalence equals in the twenties, and is rarely seen after the age of thirty. It usually lasts between five to ten years. • Rarely seen in cold climates, more often in tropical and temperate climates. • Treatment consists of intermittent short courses of topical or systemic steroids, with ongoing topical cromolyn or antihistamine preparations. • Sleeping in an air-conditioned room, ice packs and cold compresses can help. • Moving to a cool climate is desirable, if possible. Symptoms may also be due to contact allergy • Many (especially nail polish), will cause a contact allergy of the eyelids, which may occur in only one eye. • Other causes include (particularly neomycin), and the preservative thiomersal (a preservative in eye drops).

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• Some plants will also cause contact allergy, including Grevillea 'Robyn Gordon', African violets and a number of bulbs. Since the Rhus tree has been declared a noxious weed the number of cases of this serious contact allergy has declined. • Usually there is an initial improvement of the condition after prescribed eye drops are used, and then a continuing deterioration, only improved by ceasing the eye drops. • Bathing the eyes with cooled boiled water will give comfort as the condition improves. • A doctor will usually use patch testing to confirm the diagnosis and inquire about whether any non- prescribed or herbal drops have been used. Contact lenses may cause symptoms • Giant Papillary and Giant Follicular conjunctivitis (GPC or GFC), can occur in contact wearers and is similar in appearance to vernal keratoconjunctivitis. • It usually occurs in soft wearers, but is occasionally seen in hard lens wearers, and may be due to the lens material itself, or the lens cleansing material which contains thiomersal. • Sometimes the condition improves with a decreased wearing time, occasionally changing the lens to another polymer, or soaking the lens in sterile water after an antibacterial solution. Eye symptoms and An allergic reaction (including anaphylaxis, the most severe form of allergic reaction) to a food, insect sting or bite, or medication may cause eye symptoms with swelling, itching and redness of the conjunctiva and soft tissues around the eyes. Individuals who are at risk of anaphylaxis should be referred to a clinical immunology/allergy specialist. Eating of foods containing monosodium glutamate or the preservative sodium metabisulfite will occasionally cause swelling and redness of the eye. However, this is not a true allergic reaction and therefore symptoms will be less severe.

© ASCIA 2019 ASCIA is the peak professional body of clinical immunology/allergy specialists in Australia and New Zealand. ASCIA resources are based on published literature and expert review, however, they are not intended to replace medical advice. The content of ASCIA resources is not influenced by any commercial organisations. For more information go to www.allergy.org.au To donate to immunology/allergy research go to www.allergyimmunology.org.au

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